The Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter supports the nomination of Dr Kent’s Paddock and Open Space for State Heritage listing. The development is an exemplar of the medium density social housing delivered by the SA Housing Trust (SAHT) during the 1970s.
Designed by notable architect Newell Platten, who was appointed as the Chief Design Architect at the SAHT, with a remit to improve the Trust’s design standards. Dr Kent’s Paddick provides one and two-bedroom flats and townhouse accommodation in the inner-metro area that is accessible to people on lower incomes.
The project received a SA Commendation in the 1982 Australian Institute of Architecture Awards and was awarded the South Australian Enduring Architecture Award by the Australian Institute of Architects in 2007. It continues to provide valuable affordable housing close to the city and is an exemplar of
The development is significant for the following reasons.
- It is an exemplar of the high quality and humanist social housing delivered by the SAHT with the support of the State government of the time. As such, it demonstrates the social awareness of the State government during this period and its willingness to take direct responsibility for delivery of programs to address inequity.
- It is an excellent example of social housing, incorporating a range of housing options clustered around a generous shared green space. It is a notable demonstration of the aspirations of the SAHT at the time to improve the quality of social housing.
- It demonstrates excellent design at a micro and macro scale. The individual dwelling units are efficiently and effectively planned to provide a high level of liveability to occupants. Collectively the units are clustered to form a medium density village, with excellent consideration of privacy, controlled solar access, amenity and shared social space. It also demonstrates how appropriate selection and well-considered detailing can allow cost effective materials to be used to achieve high quality and robust buildings that are oif enduring value to the occupants and the wider community.
- It was designed by highly respected architect Newell Platten and is a notable example of his work during his tenure with the SAHT and his career long endeavour to maximise human comfort through the well-considered design of buildings.
On the basis of the above, Dr Kent’s Paddock and Open Space meets State Heritage listing criteria
- it demonstrates important aspects of the evolution or pattern of the State’s history; or
- it is an outstanding representative of a particular class of places of cultural significance; or
- it demonstrates a high degree of creative, aesthetic or technical accomplishment or is an outstanding representative of particular construction techniques or design characteristics
- it has a special association with the life or work of a person or organisation or an event of historical importance.
To support this listing, please fill out a nomination form and send it directly to the Heritage Council DEWHeritage@sa.gov.au
The following form has been prepared to make it easier to support this nomination. You can simply sign and date it, or use it as a starting point. Please cc Dave Baker (bakerdaus@gmail.com) and Michael Pilkington (michael@phillipspilkington.com.au) if using this form.
